Risk Assessment/ Welding

Risk Assessment - Welding

This risk assessment is intended to provide guidance on the risk associated with the above equipment and activities in normal use. Please also check general risk assessments for the space as a whole. Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document maintainers or trustees - do not edit this assessment directly. For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of the assessment page.

Activity

Welding of metals via any electric process (MIG, TIG or MMA/Stick)

Signage

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Understanding Risk Rating

LOW - Ensure current control measures are in place and continue with activity

MED - Control measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended

HIGH - Do not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists

Risk Assessment

Identify Hazards	Who May be Harmed and How	Severity	Control Measures	Likelihood	Risk Rating
Radiation from light and heat.	Users	High	Operators are competent in the use of the welding equipment. Full welding masks with a full UV and IR light filter are to be worn during all welding work. Welders flash can cause blindness and affect eyesight. Fire retardant gloves are to be worn. Hot material is to be treated with care and watched until sufficiently cool as not to pose a fire risk. All material must be fully secured in place using appropriate clamps to earth before the weld commences. If the equipment is not in satisfactory working order it should not be used.	Medium	Medium
Slips Trips and Falls	Users, Bystanders	Medium	Wear shoes or boots with non-slip soles, in particular in wet or snowy weather – make sure excessive wet isn’t tracked into the space. Ensure that good standards of housekeeping are maintained at all times, cables and other equipment will be managed so as not to cause a trip hazard.	Medium	Low
The light emitted by the weld can be dangerous to others who look directly at the it.	Bystanders	High	Screens must be put in place to protect others in the area. Welding tools will not be left unattended. The area will be made safe at the end of each session.	Medium	Low
Fire from Hot Work	Users, bystanders, public	High	It should be ensured that there is no combustible material in close proximity to the work. Suitable protection should be provided for any combustible items that cannot be moved and for combustible construction such as wooden worktops. A check should be carried out on all of the surrounding areas to minimise the possibility of ignition by heat transfer. Fire extinguishers are be provided in the space. Hot work’ should be stopped at the specified time before leaving the space. A thorough inspection of the area should be undertaken once the work is complete after completion. Where necessary, a further check should be carried out before leaving the space. Welding rods are to be cooled in a water filled bucket before disposal, or placed in a sand bucket, not discarded.	Medium	Medium
Use of gas bottles, leaks and high pressure discharge.	Users, bystanders, public	High	Bottles must be secured in the upright position, preferably on a trolley to aid mobility. All gauges, hoses, bagging and torches must be examined before use, any faulty equipment must be repaired or replaced prior to use.	Medium	Low